Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

We never took 20% or 25% from senior citizens on budget day as that would have been against all we stood for.

I will pass Senator Norris's views on fire safety on to the Minister. Senator Leyden mentioned this morning's "The Tubridy Show" and I take on board his views. It is an entertainment show and the two individuals involved are star performers. There is a major difference between a chat show and the serious business and responsibility of passing new legislation and amending legislation. Ireland plc has benefitted from the dedicated work of Dáil Deputies and Senators and no other country has experienced the success we have. All fair-minded people would agree they would love to be in the position we find ourselves today on budget day, 5 December 2007.

Senator Callely referred to the Road Safety Authority. I know he has a great deal of expertise in the area as a former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Enterprise and Small Business and Minister of State. I agree with his sentiments and will pass on his views to the chairman of the Road Safety Authority, Gay Byrne, after the Order of Business.

I will see how I can progress No. 13, motion 22 with the leaders as I understand there is now an amendment to it. Senator Bacik called for a debate on prison policy and I already have given a commitment in this regard, depending on the Minister's availability.

Senators Norris and Hanafin have personal views on the prayer that is said at the start of proceedings in the House. I believe the prayer is a good start to the day but I welcome any suggestions the Senators might have, which we could consider at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, on improving mindsets and having the Holy Spirit touch Senators in a stronger way than usual at certain times.